ABOUT US
What is Thrival?
The word "Thrival" emerges from the fusion of the words "thrive", "travel" and "survival". Thrival is characterized as an optimal state of awareness, self-sustainability, and well-being, achieved after surviving a challenging experience in the natural world. It symbolizes not only the triumph over physical obstacles, but also the profound sense of inner growth that results from learning, doing, and reflecting in nature. To us, Thrival is not just a company and a brand; it is a lifestyle that envisions time, knowledge, and experience outdoors as essential to our vitality and identity.
What do we do?
We create experiential nature adventures that push personal and team development. Together with experts, coaches and guides, we design impactful tailor-made experiences. Through a journey of challenge and reflection, we stimulate you to grow a deeper connection with your environment and yourself. Our experiences are always designed for small groups, and range from relaxing wilderness weekends to full-blown survival expeditions. We embed exploration, challenge, self-reflection, and creativity into each, adventure, so to bring you back to nature, stretch your comfort zone, and make you thrive in life.
Our GOALS
To improve your independence, awareness & well-being
To reconnect you to
the natural world and help you find your nature
To push you out of the comfort zone to support personal & team development
To lead you from a state of survival into a state of Thrival
Our CORE VALUES
Exploration
Creativity
Vulnerability
Reflection
Challenge
Empowerment
Our TEAM
Giles
Founder, Wildlife & Wilderness Guide
Giles is the founder of both the concept and the company behind Thrival. He holds a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and is a certified Safari Guide (NQF2) in Southern Africa with a specialization in tracking wildlife. Most recently he also achieved a Wilderness Guide (WGA1) certification supporting further his outdoor leadership and education skills in both cold and arid climates across Europe.
Giles is a forever learner turned teacher. Inspired by his travels, education, and experience, he aims to teach and challenge people in nature to support personal and team development. His passion is to bring people into new environments and show them how to thrive in it.
Quote: Find Your Nature
Favorite Trip: Touring in Southern Africa
The dream: To establish a community in nature, where all people can come to live, learn, explore, and thrive.
Mandi
Outdoor cooking, permaculture & yoga instructor
As a kid, Mandi was always to be found outdoors playing under trees, collecting earthworms, and exploring in nature. Mandi has a background in public health and clinical research. She is a free spirit and a digital nomad that combines her work with travel. Therefore, she is often found in different continents throughout the year.
In her free time, she's usually exploring the planet, learning languages, cooking worldly flavors and inspiring everyone around her. Mandi has over 14 years of experience in yoga, holds a permaculture certificate and has cooked dishes from all corners of the globe.
Quote: Passion is always present, you just need a spark.
Favorite Trip: Backpacking South and Central America
The Dream: Building a permaculture community, where people can learn, share and grow in and with nature together.
Collaborations
Thrival and UPPTÄCKK are in collaboration to deliver experiential nature-based travel experiences in Sweden, that push development and help you find balance in life.
Thrival and Tamarin are in collaboration to deliver wilderness weekends in Belgium, that help you find balance, rediscover yourself, and navigate your path forward to growth and connection in and with nature.
Katja
Outdoor trainer & cross country skiing instructor
Katja is an enthusiastic outdoor athlete, nature lover, and adventurer. With a background in business economics and a passion for travel, Katja brings extensive experience in outdoor activities and nature exploration. From her explorative world travels to her formal training in Adventure Education in Belgium and Sweden, Katja has honed her skills in activities like skiing, canoeing, and orienteering.
Her dedication to outdoor pursuits led her to emigrate to Sweden in 2021 and establish UPPTÄCKK, which offers a range of active and creative nature experiences. Embracing the beauty of the Swedish wilderness, Katja aims to share the joy and educational value of outdoor adventures with others.
Katja’s motto: ‘Explore, do, learn and have fun!'
Carolien
Coach & packraft instructor
Carolien is the owner of Tamarin. Her goal is to help you establish your inner strength through a combination of daring nature experiences and moments of silence. She uses mindfulness in natural environments as a powerful tool to help you slow down and support connection, growth and discovery.
Testimonials
Frederik
Wilderness Weekend
"The wilderness weekend in the Ardennes brought me more than I could have imagined. The right balance of physical challenge, survival skills and peace in nature allows you to come back to yourself. There was also an excellent duo of guides that did everything to maximize this adventure. It turned out to be an unforgettable experience that enriched me as a person."
Imke
Wilderness Weekend
"This weekend met all my expectations: I felt completely reset and re-energized when I returned home. And yes, I did touch my inner nature by being off-the-grid for just 48 hours. Inspired by the superb guides and feeling amazing energy when waking up under my tarp in the middle of nature. There was a good balance between hiking, survival and reflection. I wish I could do this every month to recharge my batteries..."
